The+Conversation

=Join Us!= =We are developing a Web 2.0 Professional Development Framework and individual proposals to submit to ASCD by May 1, 2008 for their March 2009 National Conference in Orlando. Here is the conversation that lead to this wiki.=

For [|Diigo] users I have highlighted sections so you can focus on the conceptual development that lead to this wiki.

Introduction
While I was at ASCD 2008 in New Orleans in March 2008, I started a conversation with some ASCD Leadership Council members and my online network of educators about the need for educators familiar with Web 2.0 pedagogies to spread the word about how they are successfully using the new 21st Century technology to improve student learning. That conversation has continued until today, April 3, 2008. We have less than a month to pool our collective intelligence to help ASCD do a "bang up" job for it's membership in Orlando in March 2009 on technology and engaging students in learning. See the home page of this wiki for more details.

Go [|here] to read the conversation as it developed on Professional Development 2.0 from March 16, 2008 to April 3, 2008 (Dennis Update - ongoing as of 4.17.08) when I then created this wiki. Join this wiki and help us develop a comprehensive proposal. In the process we will show how the online network of educators works. If nothing else, at least that will be impressive. If you help out!

[|Dennis Richards]

Dennis: I am at the [|ASCD National Conference]. I collected some statistics about the conference and found that there are over 500 sessions being offered over 3 days, 27 are listed under the instructional technology strand, of those 5 reference Web 2.0 tools or concepts, but only 1 session is is about using technology to facilitate professional development. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the question here. (As a side note, I am working to inject Web 2.0 into next year's ASCD conference. May 1st is the start date. Join us [|here] if you want to change the face of education.)

Meg: Dennis, Thank you for connecting through Twitter. You have really hit the nail on the head that the Web 2.0 tools are not meeting mainstream, and I am right there, we need to change that! I will say one of the problems with Web 2.0 sessions is how fast things change. I made a note to submit a session, but the write-up I can create by May 1st could potentially be so "old" by the time the conference comes together next March. Personally I feel this "lead time" is absolutely necessary from a conference planning part, yet my PD goal is always deliver the cutting edge best I can for my audience, the lead time kills Web 2.0 I feel! I would like to come together with your discussion and figure out how to write the sessions so ASCD and others are interested by submit day, but also bleeding edge when it is delivered! Thanks for starting the conversation!

Dennis: Hi Meg, Why not acknowledge that in the proposal? This is the way it is now; this is how it influences our work. The presentation could be about the rapid transformation in the field as a metaphor for the reality of the skills and literacies teachers, parent, and administrators have to experience and understand in order to provide for authentic learning in our classrooms, schools, communities and beyond? Dennis

Meg: I'm working on some ideas for the ASCD 2009 conference. I like the ideas you shared and will be drafting up a presentation. More soon!

That's great, Meg. The conference will be richer for you decision! Dennis

Charlene: Hi Dennis, what professional development doesn't use technology!?

There are a number of ways in which technology can better facilitate the learning of adults:
 * Email, iChat/IM, Twitter: connects learners as collaborators
 * Blogs: provides a forum for reflection and discussion
 * Wikis/Google Docs/Zoho: provides a place to co-learn and build shared knowledge.
 * Shared server/network space: provides a place for learners to swap/store documents
 * iPods/MP3 players: allows anytime/anywhere learning
 * Moodle/Blackboard: a place to learn from instructor-assigned tasks and discussions
 * Interactive technology: (student response systems and interactive boards) engages adult learners in much the same way as students
 * Online survey tools: collect opinions and perceptions
 * Social Bookmarking tools: helps to share the knowledge
 * RSS: critical tool for managing information.
 * Digital cameras (still and video): use to record learning for later playback/review.
 * Online streaming (uStream): collaborate online during a presentation, revisit the archive later.
 * Nings; places like this to brainstorm and share strategies.
 * Web: unlimited possibilities!

Dennis: Good list, Charlene. Is there any best-practice examples that I can direct ASCD leadership to visit that would illustrate (and provide translations for the uninitiated) for your excellent list? Some of this, especially Web 2.0 tools and concepts, will all be new to the Annual Convention program. Dennis

Elizabeth: ASCD just published Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works...forward by Marzano.. Haven't read it yet, just flipped through..It mentions some uses above...appears to be tech applied to fairly traditional curriculum..Will read this week.. I agree with your thinking that the tech presentations need to move to other conferences. Thanks for starting that shift.

Dennis: A complementary source just came online yesterday thanks to Stephanie Sandifer's talented and knowledgeable work. She has created a "mash-up"? of Classroom Instruction that Works and Web 2.0: [|Web 2.0 and CITWs.] Definitely a lot of meat here or maybe rice and beans here.

Stephanie: Hi Dennis,

Thanks for mentioning the wiki. I actually had a different version of it online for the past couple of years (before the book was published), but it wasn't in a true wiki format. The new version is in wiki format and it's value will be determined by the contributions made by any and all educators who have examples of Web 2.0 tools or classroom activities (using Web 2.0 tools) to share!

I finally got a copy of the ASCD book last month and am trying to do some cross-referencing between the info I already had and the info in the book to ensure that the wiki is useful whether one has read the book or not -- although, I do highly recommend the book because it does cover a lot of technology that is outside of the scope of the wiki (i.e. traditional software applications such as MS Office and Inspiration).

I invite everyone to visit the wiki and register with the wiki to begin contributing more ideas and information. The url is [|http://Web2ThatWorks.com].

Sharon: I am just starting to head-up a group that is working on a complete solution for a statewide Professional Development Learning Network. This wiki is a good resource for us - thank you. I think I need to put out a new topic for all the experts here to assist me in getting my committee started on the right track - tomorrow, stay tuned.

Charlene: Dennis, We are dabbling, in all of the above, here at Stevenson High School in an effort to reach and teach all the adults on our campus (more than 500). Feel free to pass along my Staff Dev. website: http://www6.district125.k12.il.us/staffdev/

Our proposal (that was not accepted at ASCD this year) was titled "21st Century Staff Development: Blazing a Trail for Adult Learners." My co-presenter, Patricia Duggan, and I presented this at our State technology conference (IL-TCE) as both a 45 min. breakout session in 2007, and this year as a 2.5 hour workshop. Companion website is: http://homepage.mac.com/charlenechausis/staffdev.html -- listen to the audio reflections from the workshop at the bottom of the page.

For what it's worth.... here's the info.

=
Session Description: Never enough time? Explore strategies for staff development as a job-embedded and collaborative process within a Professional Learning Community, while promoting effective use of 21st Century technology tools. Work to establish - an effective framework that highlights adult learning theories, and research-based practices - a no-nonsense approach to infusing technology in the classroom, for the novice to experienced teacher - practical and practiced applications that teachers can bring to the classroom tomorrow......and try with confidence!!!!.Strand: Doing what works and transforming what does not Audience: All Levels Length of Sessions: 1- hour Presentation Style: Interactive: 50% Lecture: 50% Demographic Focus: All Topic: Professional Development

=
==-Charlene

Sharon: Great program Charlene, I have also found that although many teachers are becoming involved with using the web 2.0 tools and that many of us are starting to complete PD through those tools, the administration seems to be the last to join us. I have also made proposals on using these tools for PD and had them refused (at State Conferences). I am going to try again as Maine is having a Fall Conference where one of their target audiences is Admin. Wish me luck. Could I use some of your ideas? Have you all heard Dr. Tim Tyson speak? I believe his presentation at NH Christa McAuliffe Conference last Fall is available as a podcast - I need to search for it though.

Charlene: Good luck in getting your proposal accepted. From our workshop, I think Group 3 summed it up the best... "any positive changes for teachers will result in positive changes for students." They also noted the importance of involving administrators. Last year I was fortunate to have an opportunity to work with our admin team by leading a prof. dev. academy that met 4 times during the year, for 2 hours each. As part of our work together we read the World is Flat and collaborated using a wiki. Here's a great resource that I had used from Scott MccLeod. I would recommend checking it out if you are planning any Web 2.0 PD workshops: [|http://scottmcleod.typepad.com/dangerouslyirrelevant/2007/01/100_pr...]

Dr. Tim Tyson was the closing keynote at NECC Atlanta, 2007. His keynote was podcasted at: http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/collection.php?collectionID=373. You can also view an interview with Tim and Discovery Education's Hall Davidson at http://www.kzowebcasting.com/necc/ -- He also was a spotlight speaker at our IL-TCE conference on Feb. 28-29.

Sharon: Charlene,Boy wish we could do a f2f - on the same page or what? I have used Scott's stuff often and Dr. Tyson will be a major speaker at the conference I am applying to - small world. I last heard him at NH Christa McAuliffe Conference last year. Thanks for the good wishes - application goes in later this week.

Charlene: Thanks Sharon... let's DO chat sometime soon! I'm cchausis just about everywhere (Twitter, Skype, etc)!! I'll be at NECC, will you?

Sharon: Oh Yes, I will be at NECC - I am sharonbetts pretty much everywhere also. We must meet for certain in Texas. Sharon

Dennis: Great example that I will take to ASCD for illustration. Thanks

Gail: Dennis, This is something I have seen at many conferences and I am glad you are making it more obvious to others! One of my niches is using technologies with young children... when I spoke as a featured speaker at FETC (Florida) this year there were only 3 sessions for early learning... so when we add to ASCD, let's also remember to add content for elementary!! I can add an application or two myself. Do you have any specific pointers to help us add more technology, especially Web 2.0 to ASCD?

Gail Lovely

Sharon: This is a great discussion. When I came to my present district, there was NO technology K-3! The accepted belief was that it did not need to begin until grade 4 (not accepted by all, thank goodness). We established a curriculum, purchased computers (not the old hand-me-downs - another story) and began the process. The teachers are now some of my heartiest advocates - the students are learning more - becoming safer online - and getting the needed first step. Gail - I use many of your links and reference your presentations often. Your sessions are ones that I always try to fit in my schedule at conferences. Welcome to our network - you have so very much to offer. Would you mind starting a thread for Professional Development directed to the early learning teachers? Sharon

Gail: Thanks for the nudge, Sharon. A new discussion on this topic has been begun...it is here:[| http://newlearning.ning.com/forum/topic/show?id=814722%3ATopic%3A4923]

Dennis: Hi Gail, The field on Web 2.0 is wide open for ASCD 2009. See [|here]. I can tell you that 2009 at the annual conference will be different if we "seize the day." ASCD is ready to embrace a new definition of literacy for the 21st Century at its annual convention in Orlando, but they need our help. It's now time for those whose pedagogies utilize web 2.0 tools to send the word out to their networks to submit proposals by May 1. I also agree on a stronger focus on elementary programming is also needed. Dennis

Charlene: Hi Dennis, Are you on the committee or have some strong influence to be sure the proposals get accepted?

Gail: Charlene, I, too, am eagerly awaiting the response to this post! Gail

Sharon: As am I - I have never applied to present at ASCD, but perhaps this is the year with their theme. Sharon

Dennis: Hi Charlene, It's not that simple. In life nothing worth having ever is. Hope this helps. I'm also going to post more on my [|blog] so I can explain the context, but I can start the conversation by saying a few things here.

- I am president of the Massachusetts affiliate of ASCD, - I am on the ASCD Leadership Council. - I attended the Position Statement Committee discussion in New Orleans, ASCD 2008, last month on 21st Century education and was a strong advocate for ASCD beginning to help the staff, leadership and membership understand Web 2.0 pedagogies. - I advocated in the same fashion for Web 2.0 pedagogies with Valerie Truesdale, current President of ASCD. - Valerie pointed out that [|ASCD 2009] has a major theme on technology, [|**Imagine: Connecting Learners in an E-World**], and a major theme of engagement, [|**Imagine: Challenging Minds to Engage and Learn More Deeply**].

Based on what I know, I am optimistic that ASCD is ready for our message. I still have work to do, but if I have the names of a network of presenters like you, Gail and others interested with solid proposals, I will approach ASCD to advocate for an understanding of how significant our contribution could be on ASCD 2009. It would obviously help if I had ten or more people so I could say, "Hey, look at us; we have something to offer ASCD that will move the educational technology strand from successful to significant! Not sure what will come of it, but it sure beats complaining that no one listens to us. Dennis PS - We are not alone. Google alerts are ready to scoop up the latest buzz on ASCD, I suspect.

Gail: Dennis, Thanks for the encouraging information. I think that in the past some technology-rich presenters have felt discouraged by not having applications accepted. I will apply and also encourage others to do so! Thanks! Gail

Dennis: Great! Now if I'm going to advocate for you and others who apply, I think it would help for me to know who applies and what the proposals look like. It would also makes sense for people not to duplicate similar topics. How can we orchestrate that?

Gail: Well, let's see, we can use Twitter, this site, and others to gather information about people planning to apply OR perhaps a more proactive approach -- offer to ASCD some expertise in helping them fill a technology-infused or technology-rich strand by helping them select the sessions which will be hosted in a specific room or rooms throughout the conference (thus pooling the higher technology needs (high speed internet and projectors, sound, IWB or whatever) into a specific set of rooms. We could serve to help them make this a dynamic, meaningful and important part of their conference. We could help them balance grade levels, technologies, levels of experience required of participants, etc.... I wonder what others think...

Meg: Gail, Great ideas, almost create a "package" of well balanced presentations, balanced grade levels and interest. I like Gail's thinking about hosting in specific rooms using appropriate technology that helps spread the message. For example instead of going to an IWB session, actually see the board in action during a presentation. I would also like to extend the buzz by having "meet-ups" or a networking sessions on various topics. These could be informal sessions to promote conversations. I will be working on topic ideas this week. BTW Dennis do you sleep? You sure are busy! Thanks for starting the conversation and moving us along!

Sharon: I do like this idea - a bit like NECC's OpenSource Lab concept. A suite of Web 2.0 tools demonstrated and presented. Sharon

Meg: Yes! A way to bring people together around change and powerful tools. Great ideas, I am working on presentations now! Meg

Dennis: Okay. I created a wiki to store our work on a proposal. [|learningbeyondboundaries.wikispaces.com]. Once we have preliminary ideas on the site, I will approach ASCD. I need enough to say this is an outline of what we are thinking and these are the people interested in developing this comprehensive proposal. Then ASCD can say we're loony, we're on target, or we've got a good idea, but it needs modification. Thank for your help and interest. Dennis

Gail: I think we need to LEAD with the content (curriculum, learning, etc) and USE the tools as much as possible and then intersperse that a bit with the tool "how tos" and "whiz bang"... this conference will draw people who want to learn about using technologies IN curriculum and not so much the techies, at least that would be my first take. We may have sessions that people come to to find out the basics (Like "What IS Web 2.0?") but perhaps MORE who wonder about having learners participate in global learning communities or who ponder making curriculum more differentiated through technology.... it will be important to not ONLY "preach to the choir" of the technology-lovers at ASCD, but to snag a few through the content... am I making any sense?

April 3, 2008: 1:30 P.M. EDT Dennis Richards